Holiday Events Near Boulder, Colorado

Ready or not, here they come: The holidays are upon us! With so much hustle and bustle this time of year, it can be hard to take a few moments for family togetherness (that doesn’t involve fighting over the last turkey leg during Thanksgiving dinner). Fortunately, getting out for some holiday fun has never been easier!If you live in or near Boulder, consider putting the following on your holiday to-do list:

Lights of December Parade

The Lights of December Parade takes place on December 7th at 6:00 PM, starting at 15th and Walnut and heading west. Enjoy floats created by various community members, including businesses, churches, schools, and nonprofits. Stay for the grand finale to spy Santa Claus in all his garland glory. 

Freezie Fest and Cookie Crawl

The Freezie Fest and Cookie Crawl occurs on December 14th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Pearl Street and beyond. This festive event celebrates winter and showcases snowmen! Enjoy free train rides, visit Santa Claus, and play a few reindeer games. Don’t forget to stroll into participating retailers to participate in the cookie crawl!

Chanukah on Pearl

Chanukah on Pearl takes place on December 30th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. This holiday ritual invites the entire community and features the lighting of the Menorah, music, hot cocoa, and Chanukah goodies. A free event sponsored by the Boulder County Center for Judaism, advanced registration is not required, but it’s heavily encouraged so the center can plan ahead. 

Holiday Festival

CU Boulder’s Holiday Festival is an annual tradition that merges glimmering lights, evergreen decor, and enchanting music. Put on by the CU Boulder College of Music, it’s geared toward all ages and features student choirs, bands, orchestras, and faculty performers. Kick back and relax to traditional holiday songs as well as modern tunes.

Winterfest

Winterfest takes place just outside of Boulder in Louisville. Winterfest is a holiday-themed arts and crafts event hosted by the Louisville Center for the Arts. It invites children 14 and under (with their guardians) to decorate gingerbread men, bedazzle custom snowflake ornaments, and enjoy hot cocoa and holiday cartoons. 

If you’re looking for something to take your mind off shopping or cooking, Boulder offers many events to make your holidays merry and bright. Try one of the above to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year even more.